REMEMBRANCE CHAPTER THREE by Chapin
The Characters, places and situations of Doc Martin are owned by Buffalo Pictures. This story makes no claim of remuneration or ownership, nor do I make any attempt to infringe upon any rights of the owners or producers.
Careful - there are spoilers for Season Six
Thank you for reading. I welcome your reviews and input.
CHAPTER THREE
Joan had no idea what her simple question about divorce would evoke. This amazing woman sitting across the small table from her was a wonderful mother and was more and more becoming a close friend and confidant. Talk of her parents' journey made her grateful for her family. There was much comfort in what her Mum had said, but there was a fear that still gnawed deep within her.
"Thank you, Mum, for that. I wish it helped me fear the future less. How can you know when you have found the right person?"
"Don't spend your life looking for "Mr. Right," Joan. Instead focus on being the right person. You are not a shallow person. You have insight and discernment. Trust what we and others have given you. Our family faced more than our share of hard times, and we faced them together. You will have bumps in your road. Some you will of necessity face alone and sometimes you can share the burden. But believe me when I tell you that you have what you need. You will be fine, kid.
"And now I suggest that you cut into that poached pear or the whipped cream around it is going to be missing."
The waitress suddenly appeared.
"Voulez-vous un autre café?"
"Oui, s'il vous plaît, et aussi je voudrais une deuxième poires pochées au vin blanc avec chantilly."
"Oui, bien sùr."
"Merci."
"You know I do not usually have this stuff on my mind. This first year of veterinary training is a bit overwhelming, but I do not want to think about that now. What shall we do tomorrow?"
My mobile was buried in my purse but I thought I heard it ring. I hurried to get to it before they rang off. "It's Dad. Hello Dad."
"Joan. I couldn't reach you earlier so wanted to try again. Are you and your mum alright? No problems there I hope."
"Not at all. Right now we are enjoying time together in a small cafe. Tonight we are invited to supper with Monsieur et Madame Llompart. I am really glad Mum will get to meet them. They were so kind to me."
"You do know I worried about you every day of that term you were in Paris?"
"Dad, Monsieur Llompart was more protective of me than you would have been. Well maybe not. I'm not sure that's possible, is it? I love you Dad."
"Yes. Don't forget, you are my girl."
"I will always be your girl. Would you like to talk to Mum?"
"Hello Martin."
"Louisa, Joan says you are enjoying yourselves. Please be careful. I hope you are taking cabs and not the Métro. You know I miss you."
"Yes I do Martin. And I miss you. I always feel half there when we are apart like this, but the time with Joanie is really good. We'll be late tonight so we can talk tomorrow if you like."
"Yes, fine. But will you message me when you are safely back in your hotel tonight?"
"Of course. Have you seen my dad?"
"He was at the market earlier. Said with all the good weather, he had been working in his garden. He seemed fine to me. I love you Louisa."
"Yes my dear Martin. I love you."
"Don't forget to text me! Good-bye."
"Bye bye Love."
"Oh Joan, here's our coffee. And what's this? Another poached pear?"
"Out of self defense. Enjoy as much as you want. Dad always worries about us, doesn't he?"
"Yes, he does Joan. He always has. But you do know that is not the main reason he called today, don't you?"
"So why did he call?"
"Your dad hates being alone. He was alone for 40 years. But once we were married he didn't like us to be apart, especially at night. When I had teacher conferences away, he would call daily at least. Once, after I returned from a conference I realized he had switched our pillows."
"But Dad's not romantic. Not like that. How did you know?"
"Because I keep a tissue in my pillow. And he does not. And don't sell your dad short. There was a time when we was absolutely and totally inept in a relationship. At that time his photo was next to "clueless" in the dictionary.
"But that was before. Over the years, he has become a very caring man. Even now he can stumble with words but his every action is care and love."
"I know you're right Mum, but you know I remember when I cared for Mrs. Bosanko's children I even saw Mr. Bosanko pat her on the bum sometimes."
"Joan, let me assure you that behind closed doors your father has always paid proper attention to your mother's bum. And that is all you need to know about that, young lady!"